Sushil, Dutt arrive to rousing welcome

Wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt were accorded a grand welcome as they returned after their historic exploits at the London Olympics.

NEW DELHI: Wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt were on Monday night accorded a grand welcome as they returned after their historic exploits at the London Olympic Games.

Hundreds of fans gathered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to receive the star wrestlers along with the family members of the grapplers.

The fans, who came with garlands, bouquets and sweets, danced to deafening drum beats while they waited for the wrestlers to come out of Terminal 3 of the airport.

Members of the Sports Authority of India were also there to receive the duo.

While Sushil won a silver medal in the 66 kg freestyle wrestling category, Yogeshwar clinched a bronze in the 60 kg category.

All hell broke loose when the fans first sighted the two wrestlers coming out. Police struggled to control the surging fans as they broke barriers to reach out to their heroes.

The fans carried both Sushil and Yogeshwar over their shoulders and welcomed them with a huge roar. Sushil was later ferried away in an open truck, while Yogeshwar left in a car.

Both the wrestlers waved at the crowd, acknowledging the tumultuous welcome.

While Sushil did not speak to the waiting media, Yogeshwar said that he was "overwhelmed" by the reception.

Sushil recorded his name in the country's sports history annals by becoming the first ever sportsperson to win back-to- back individual Olympic medals, having won a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games

Sports Authority of India and the sports ministry have planned a felicitation for all the medal winners and other members of the Indian contingent at the national stadium here on August 16, SAI officials said.